This is your guide to help you finish this year's taxes. Action Line Editor Phil Mulkins offers tips and can answer your questions about getting through this year's tax returns.

Submit Action Line questions about taxes by calling 918-699-8888 or emailing phil.mulkins@TulsaWorld.com
Headlines
Action Line: Things to know about tax filing extensions Action Line: Things to know about tax filing extensions   4/17/2012

Dear Action Line: There's no way I'm going to get my tax stuff to my tax accountant in time to have it filed on time. How do I get extra time to file? I think it's called an 'extension.' - W.N., Tulsa.
Tax filers can get postmark at airport   4/17/2012

If you have procrastinated on finishing your federal and state tax returns - and plan to use the U.S. Post Office to deliver them - beware that there have been changes in the local mail system.
Whether winning - or losing - tax obligations apply to gambling, even in Oklahoma Whether winning - or losing - tax obligations apply to gambling, even in Oklahoma   4/16/2012

If you like to play the slots, that's gambling; but if you play the slots and don't pay attention to possible tax problems, that's gambling twice, says a local tax attorney who deals with an increasing number of clients whose problems with the IRS started in a casino.
Action Line: Owe IRS and can't pay? Here's what to do Action Line: Owe IRS and can't pay? Here's what to do   4/15/2012

Dear Action Line: I owe federal income taxes after a failure to withhold enough to cover it but can't afford to pay it all when I file my return. What are my options? - S.K., Tulsa.
Action Line: Deadline for filing tax returns is Tuesday   4/14/2012

Taxpayers have an extra two days to file their returns this year because of the calendar and a holiday celebrated in the District of Columbia.
Action Line: 8 common tax-return errors filers can avoid Action Line: 8 common tax-return errors filers can avoid   4/13/2012

Dear Action Line: I made a mistake on my tax return, and it will take longer to correct and process than it would have had I just taken the time to catch the error beforehand. I was in a hurry to get my refund. Others will make the same mistake. - C.M., Tulsa
Action Line: IRS offers relief to strapped taxpayers Action Line: IRS offers relief to strapped taxpayers   4/12/2012

Dear Action Line: What do I do when I owe federal taxes but can't afford to pay them? - C.T., Broken Arrow.
Tax tips help for filing close to Tuesday deadline Tax tips help for filing close to Tuesday deadline   4/11/2012

You have until midnight Tuesday to either electronically transmit your federal income tax return to the Internal Revenue Service or get its U.S. mail envelope postmarked.
Action Line: Energy-efficient improvements can earn tax credits Action Line: Energy-efficient improvements can earn tax credits   4/6/2012

Dear Action Line: How do I claim the tax credits for adding energy-efficient windows to my home and a solar-assisted water heater? - C.T., Tulsa.
Action Line: Five reasons to avoid last-minute filing Action Line: Five reasons to avoid last-minute filing   4/3/2012

Dear Action Line: Help me escape from Procrastinating Me. I know I'll get a refund, if I can just get on with it, but if I keep putting it off until tomorrow it will soon be April 17. Shower me with reasons why I should get this over with. - H.S., Tulsa.
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Related Links

Getting Started: Which tax documents do I take to a tax return preparer for doing my taxes?

IRS e-file: More than 77% of tax filers last year chose to file their tax returns using e-file electronic tax filing. Choosing e-file means choosing paperless, and more accurate, tax filing. Additionally, the IRS acknowledges receipt of an e-filed tax return within 48 hours of filing, and most tax filers due a refund will have their refund issued within 10 days.

IRS Free File: Free File is free, do-it-yourself, e-file. If your 2011 income was $57,000 or less, choose among IRS Free File’s 15 tax software providers to use their software to do your taxes for free -- or no matter your income, you can use Free File Fillable Forms.

1040 Central: Everything taxpayers need to know to file their federal income returns, gathered in one location.

Where’s my refund? Updated every Wednesday, you can check on the status of your federal income tax refund

Tax forms, instructions and publications: View on screen, or print out and use, any federal tax form, instructions or publication. The most popular are listed first, but all are available.

Which tax form should I file? Form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ – if you still file your tax return using paper tax forms, this will help you determine which one is right for you.

Tax Guide 2011: Your Federal Income Tax for Individuals: The IRS’s 300-page, general tax information guide for individuals. A comprehensive, plain-language reference for those who want to know more about their taxes, including available tax deductions and tax credits.

Alternatively, the IRS will mail you a hard copy of this booklet at no cost by calling (800) TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

Financial "What Ifs": The IRS recognizes that many people may be having difficult times financially. Here’s information for those affected by the economic downturn.

The Earned Income Tax Credit: The EITC can boost your refund by as much as $5,751 for 2011. Find out if you qualify.

Free tax help in your community: Hundreds of volunteers at more than 130 locations across Oklahoma can help you with your taxes at no cost to you. If your income for 2011 was $50,000 or less and you don’t have a complex tax situation, these volunteers can prepare, and in most cases e-file, both your State and federal income tax returns. Find your nearest location.

IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers: There are four such centers in Oklahoma: Tulsa, Lawton, Oklahoma City and Enid. Find their locations and the services they offer.

IRS Telephone tax help: The IRS maintains a number of phone lines to assist taxpayers. Most are available 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.




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